British · Bournemouth, England · Born 10 July 1945Britain's last female Grand Slam singles champion — Virginia Wade's 1977 Wimbledon title, won on the Silver Jubilee year in front of the Queen, remains the most celebrated moment in British women's tennis history. Three Grand Slam singles titles in total, including the US Open in 1968 and the Australian Open in 1972, confirmed her quality across surfaces. Her serve-and-volley game was the finest produced by a British woman of the twentieth century, and her subsequent broadcasting career has made her the voice of British tennis for two generations of fans.
Virginia Wade won three Grand Slam singles titles across three different surfaces — the US Open in 1968, the Australian Open in 1972, and, most famously, Wimbledon in 1977, where her victory in the tournament's centenary year came in front of Queen Elizabeth II during her Silver Jubilee and remains one of the most celebrated moments in British tennis history. Wade was the first winner of the US Open in the Open Era, and her Wimbledon triumph remains the last time a British woman has won the singles title at the All England Club. She won 55 career titles in total and later became a respected television commentator and one of the most familiar voices in British tennis broadcasting.
Winning Wimbledon in 1977 during the tournament's centenary year, becoming the last British woman to claim the singles title.
She remains the last British woman to win Wimbledon — a wait for a successor that has now extended to nearly 50 years.
Did You Know?How They Played
Wade was known for her powerful baseline game and strong forehand. She possessed excellent court coverage and was particularly effective on grass courts, which suited her aggressive style of play.
Lasting Impact
Wade remains the last British woman to win the Wimbledon singles title, making her 1977 victory a defining moment in British tennis history.
Career Honours
- Wimbledon 1977
- US Open 1968
- Australian Open 1972
- 55 career titles
British Athletes